Unprovoked firing by Indian forces across the Line of Control (LoC) has taken 832 lives lives while 3,000 have been injured and 3,300 houses been damaged, the director general (DG) of the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) informed the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs Monday.

Presided over by PML-N MNA Khalil George, the standing committee had discussed Indian ceasefire violations on the LoC.

DMA DG Zaheeruddin Qureshi informed the committee that about 425,000 civilians residing in areas around the LoC were under threat because of Indian firing.

Incidences of firing have so far caused 832 deaths while 3,000 people have been injured. 3,300 houses have also been damaged as a result, Qureshi said.

The spokesperson for the AJK government also appeared before the committee. He complained of the Pakistan government not assisting them in providing financial assistance to the families of the deceased and injured. Rs300,000 are given to families of the deceased while Rs100,000 go to the injured, Qureshi said.

Members of the committee insisted on visiting the LoC to determine the accurate situation on the border, but were discouraged to do so by Dr. Syed Asif Hussain, Azad Jammu Kashmir's (AJK) additional chief secretary of planning and development.

"Indian behaviour has been inappropriate of late, which is why security agencies are recommending that the members of the committee postpone their visit to the LoC," Hussain informed the committee.

A date for the visit will be decided after clearance is received from security agencies, Hussain said, adding that the members of the committee would be potential Indian targets.

Opinion

Editorial

Errant ECP
Updated 22 Jan, 2025

Errant ECP

THE ECP has once again earned a detailed reprimand from the Supreme Court. That it still refuses to correct course is ominous
Fast-tracking M6
Updated 22 Jan, 2025

Fast-tracking M6

GRAND infrastructure projects in Pakistan often progress at the pace of a bullock cart rather than a bullet train....
Gwadar airport
Updated 22 Jan, 2025

Gwadar airport

THE air connectivity established by the inauguration of PIA flights between Karachi and Gwadar is a major step...
Trump 2.0
Updated 21 Jan, 2025

Trump 2.0

Few have forgotten how disruptive Trump could be as president. There has been little indication that his 2nd term will be any different.
GB’s status
21 Jan, 2025

GB’s status

THE demand raised by the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for constitutional clarity and provisional provincial status is...
Panda bond
Updated 21 Jan, 2025

Panda bond

ISLAMABAD’S plans to raise $200m from China’s capital markets through the inaugural issue of a Panda bond this...